TM 5-3810-307-24-1-2
General Cleaning Instructions
Solvent and Acid Cleaning
Several solvent and acid-type cleaners can be used to clean the engine parts. Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
does not recommend any specific cleaners. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer's instructions.
Experience has shown that the best results can be obtained using a cleaner that can be heated to 90 to 95
degrees Celsius [180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. A cleaning tank that provides a constant mixing and filtering of
the cleaning solution will give the best results.
Remove all the gasket material, 0-rings, and the deposits of sludge, carbon, etc., with a wire brush or scraper
before putting the parts in a cleaning tank. Be careful not to damage any gasket surfaces. When possible, steam
clean the parts before putting them in the cleaning tank.
WARNING
The use of acid can be extremely dangerous to personnel, and can damage the
machinery. Always provide a tank of strong soda water as a neutralizing agent.
Rinse all of the parts in hot water after cleaning. Dry completely with compressed air. Blow the rinse water from
all of the capscrew holes and the oil drillings. If the parts are not to be used immediately after cleaning, dip
them in a suitable rustproofing compound. The rustproofing compound must be removed from the parts before
installation on the engine.
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning can be used to remove all types of dirt that can contaminate the cleaning tank. It is a good
way to clean the oil drillings.
WARNING
Wear protective clothing to prevent personal injury from the high pressure and extreme
heat.
Do not steam clean the following parts:
1.
Electrical Components and electrical wiring
2.
Injectors and fuel pump
3.
Belts and Hoses
4.
Glass or Plastic Bead Cleaning
Glass or plastic bead cleaning can be used on many engine components to remove carbon deposits. The
cleaning process is controlled by the size of the glass or plastic beads, the operating pressure, and the cleaning
time.
CAUTION
Do not use glass or plastic bead cleaning on aluminum piston skirts. Do not use glass
bead cleaning on aluminum ring grooves. Small particles of glass or plastic will embed in
the aluminum and result in premature wear. Valves, turbocharger shafts, etc., can also be
damaged. Follow the cleaning directions listed in the procedures.
NOTE
Plastic bead blasting media, Part No. 3822735, can be used to clean aluminum ring
grooves. Do not use any bead blasting media on pin bores or aluminum skirts.
The following guidelines can be used to adapt to manufacturer's instructions:
1. Bead size: - Use U.S. size No. 16-20 for piston cleaning with plastic bead media, Part No. 3822735.
- Use U.S. size No. 70 for piston domes with glass media.
- Use U.S. size No. 60 for general purpose cleaning with glass media.
2.
Operating Pressure: -
Glass: Use 620 kPa [90 psi] for general purpose cleaning.
Plastic: Use 270 kPa [40 psi] for piston cleaning.
3. Steam clean or wash the parts with solvent to remove all of the foreign material and glass or plastic beads
after cleaning. Rinse with hot water. Dry with compressed air.
4.
Do not contaminate the wash tanks with glass or plastic beads.
